Eackles, McNeese State beat Incarnate Word 87-72

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Ledrick Eackles scored a career-high 31 points for McNeese State on Thursday night and the Cowboys walked away from Incarnate Word late in the second period to win 87-72.

McNeese State (9-18, 7-8 Southland Conference) led 43-37 at the break after trailing Incarnate Word (19-6, 7-5) 23-22 midway through, but finished the half on a 10-2 run.

Incarnate Word responded with a 13-4 run to kick-off the second period and led 50-47 with 14 minutes to play. McNeese State caught its breath and scored six straight to regain the lead at 53-50 and parlayed that advantage into a double-digit lead with 2 minutes to play. McNeese State coasted to the 15-point spread at the buzzer.